Indulge in the rich flavors of our French onion chicken & rice recipe, a delightful dish that marries tender chicken with caramelized onions and fluffy rice. This comforting meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests. With its savory aroma and satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that delivers on both flavor and comfort!
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the dish) contains approximately 400 calories, 30g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. This is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until they are caramelized, about 15 minutes.
4. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Push onions to the side and add chicken to the skillet.
6. Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
7. Stir in the rice and pour in the chicken broth.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
9. Transfer the contents to a baking dish and cover with foil.
10. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil, sprinkle cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Alternative Ingredients
If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or even mozzarella. For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, can complement the flavors nicely.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning chicken.
– Don’t rush the caramelization of onions; patience is key.
– Ensure the rice is well-coated with broth before baking.
– Check the internal temperature of chicken (165°F) to avoid undercooking.
– Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and burning.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when sautéing onions.
– Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking for better flavor melding.
– Use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste.
– Garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
– Adjust seasoning to personal taste before baking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they are cooked to the same internal temperature.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just divide into portions and store in the fridge or freezer.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté onions and chicken first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with rice and broth, cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
What can I serve with French onion chicken & rice?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I skip the cheese in the recipe?
Yes, feel free to omit the cheese for a lighter version. The dish will still be flavorful without it.
Conclusion
Our French onion chicken & rice recipe offers a perfect balance of comfort and flavor. With tender chicken, caramelized onions, and cheesy rice, it’s a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare any night of the week. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that your family will love!

French Onion Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they are caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Push onions to the side and add chicken to the skillet.
- Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Stir in the rice and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the contents to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil, sprinkle cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.